December 10th 2010

I checked the grassy field down the Southam road at first light and rewarded with a Tawny Owl and 3 Ravens plus 23 Red-legged Partridge before giving the pond a quick visit.
Finally caught up with the long staying Sanderling feeding along the wind surfing shoreline while a calling Redshank flew across the pond landing on the inlet. There are still plenty of duck spread out along the north shore dominated by the large numbers of Goosander with at least 75 counted on the reservoir with a further 34 seen leaving in groups for the River Leam so probably well over a hundred present.
The finch flock behind the inlet is still difficult to locate due to its mobility but at least one male Brambling noted. The male Smew was by the valve tower and other sightings included 43 Gadwall, 87 Pochard, Kingfisher, 3 Dunlin and 2 Grey Wagtail.
JJ has been doing well with gulls on the local tip with adult Iceland yesterday and adult Glaucous Gull today so Dave and I had a wander around the area this afternoon managing to find the Glauc in flight but not brilliant views – also Sparrowhawk plus 11 Corn Bunting and 2 Tree Sparrow at Potfords.


Richard